Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another edition of #TutuTuesday, bringing you all the fabulous facts and figures of the glorious world of tutus.
I'm writing to you today from a very special place – Paris! Oh, darling, the French are so chic! I mean, can you believe they managed to turn ballet shoes into a whole fashion statement with those pointy, black pumps? It's simply divine.
But before we get distracted by all the exquisite Parisian fashions (and let’s be honest, you know we're about to have a grand old time exploring all those fabulous boutiques!), let’s dive into the tutu history.
This week, we're time-hopping back to 19 January 1999, just a hop, skip, and jump before the start of the new millennium! Fancy, isn't it?
This particular day, I must confess, was rather ordinary – as much as any day could be ordinary in the dazzling, whirlwind world of ballet. No huge theatrical premieres, no famous debutants, no massive scandals (which, I have to admit, can spice up things rather nicely!) But you know me, even a seemingly mundane day can hold a delightful tutu tidbit!
Remember how I've been going on and on about the "romantic" style tutus? Well, get ready for a blast from the past! It’s all thanks to a visionary genius called Marie Taglioni, that beautiful, ethereal dancer who changed the world of ballet back in the 19th century! Her debut in “La Sylphide” wearing a soft, floaty tutu – think layers of chiffon swirling about, the epitome of delicate grace! – well, let’s just say it ignited a firestorm! Ballet had never looked so whimsical, so enchanting! It truly was a ballet revolution.
Speaking of whimsical, can we talk about tutus in fashion? These days, tutus are like the sprinkles on a perfectly frosted cupcake, darling! Just a dash of something adorable and glamorous that makes every outfit sparkle. Honestly, how can you resist those tiers of ruffles, that ethereal air of dancing grace? A pink tutu adds a touch of playful fantasy that, well, just makes life more fabulous.
But back to our history lesson, my dears. As we sashay into the late 20th century, we see the "classical" style tutu coming to the fore – think strong lines, stiff, and with plenty of frills and volume. Think Swan Lake, a show of elegant strength and power. It was an evolution from the “romantic” tutus – a little more structural, with those gorgeous layers of tulle creating that beautiful, iconic ballerina silhouette. It's the tutu that we associate with that quintessential ballet image! And it's simply magnificent.
Remember that tutu that became famous on a certain film with a certain very famous dancer? You know, the “Swan Lake” tutu that sent every young ballerina into a dreamy state of enchantment! Well, it's precisely this "classical" tutu style. So glamorous!
Back in 1999, our world was starting to really embrace the tutu, not just on stage but everywhere! I spotted a tutu or two even on the runways! They were no longer confined to the hallowed halls of ballet theatres – they had started a life of their own! That's just incredible, darling! We were at the dawn of a new era, a world of ballet beauty spilling out into every corner.
As the evening descends on Paris, the City of Lights, and my time here is nearly over, it's time to think about how you can join this #TutuTuesday movement, my darling. And, oh, remember our motto – wear pink and spread the tutu love!
As always, I shall leave you with this: every tutu has a story, and every story is worth telling.
Keep those twirls going, dears!
Your ever-so-devoted Emma x
P.S. : Speaking of #TutuTuesday, have you seen that beautiful, ballet-themed show “Billy Elliot”? Just breathtaking! What an extraordinary performance, full of emotions. It tells the story of a boy who, you guessed it, dreams of becoming a ballerina! Now, how much fun is that? If you haven’t seen it, darling, do try to. It's pure ballet magic.
P.P.S: It's the last day of January, and you know what that means – it’s time to embrace the beauty of February, with Valentine's Day just around the corner. Now, let's all get those pink tutus out and show some love for our dearest dance! And don't forget, the world is a far more exciting place when we sprinkle in a dash of tutus. It’s time to #WearPinkAndDance!
*Till next time, my lovelies! *
(Find Emma on her website www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for a new dose of #TutuTuesday and follow her for the latest on tutus and all things ballet! )
